Group A Takes Shape After Rivas Success

Anna Cruz made sure her actions matched her words, leading by example for Rivas Ecopolis with 21 points

Rivas Ecopolis are safely into the EuroLeague Women play-offs after chalking up a comfortable 67-50 win against BK Imos Brno, a result which also gave Uni Gyor and Wisla Can-Pack reasons to smile.

For the victory eliminated Brno and in addition to Rivas progressing to the post-season, it means they will be joined by Uni Gyor and Wisla Can-Pack who will have been grateful for some good news after each suffering resounding defeats earlier in the day.

With Tarsus already well out of contention, the five teams to advance from Group A are now known. It just remains to be seen in which order.

It took Rivas a while to wear down Brno, but by the time the final quarter arrived, they managed to really pick up their play at both ends of the floor and that change of gear was both palpable and telling.

Ahead of the game, Anna Cruz had spoken of the need to get back to winning ways and the Spanish national team player translated her words into action, leading by example with 21 points and five steals to set the tone.

Shortly before the end of the third quarter, it looked like Rivas had finally broken the game open at 46-36, but as Anna Jurcenkova scored four points in a row to cut the gap heading into the fourth, it looked like Brno would continue to be pesky and hang around.

But, the last period was to be entirely different from the first three as Rivas began turning the screw, eventually outscoring the visitors 19-8 to storm to the win.

Aneika Henry supported the contribution of Cruz with 15 points and eight boards.

Tereza Peckova led the way in defeat with 13 points and eight rebounds.

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